Therefore all seasons shall be sweet to thee,
Whether summer clothe the general earth
With greeness, or the redbreast sit and sing
Betwixt the tufts of snow on the bare branch
Of mossy apple-tree, while the nigh thatch
Smokes in the sun-thaw; whether the eave-drops fall
Heard only in the trances of the blast,
Or if the secret ministry of frost
Shall hang them up in silent icicles,
Quietly shining to the quiet Moon.



Thursday, February 01, 2007

Oh! What a Beautiful Morning.......



Today has been absolutely glorious, blue skies, sunshine and warmth - I spent the morning working on the small border opposite my back door and I was wearing just a shirt - well, not just a shirt but you know what I mean:) The cream crocus tommasinianus above are in another little bed but had opened up in the warmth and light of the sun so I thought I'd take a picture.


These winter flowering iris are actually a much stronger lilac-y blue than they appear in the photo, normally I don't see the first flowers until late March though another garden nearby has them flowering much earlier than mine do. They may be a different variety though, these are called 'Mary Barnard'.


The results of my morning's labours! The dead looking sticks are a spring flowering clematis alpina and will look beautiful around April - maybe earlier this year!


This is the same border in mid-summer!


This afternoon J and I took the dogs up onto the moors for the first time this year, it's been too wet up to now, the moors are peat so hold the moisture and in parts even today we could feel the ground squelching and moving under our feet. Bilbo Baggins had a thoroughly good time.


Judy had another dog staying with her so there were three of them today -this is by a little moorland stream where they are having a drinks and paddling break.



Bilbo Baggins with his new friend JoJo - she's a one year old Border terrier.


This is how a lot of the moors look at this time of the year - you have to pick your path very carefully in places. Worth the effort though on a day like this.

11 comments:

Sheila said...

I'm quite envious of your spring like weather. Cold temperatures and more snow is forecast here for the weekend. Bilbo Baggins is smiling it seems, he has enjoyed stretching his legs on the moors again..!

rel said...

Rowan,
She goes out in JUST a shirt, and sends pictures of flowers? ;-)
What a treat to get an early taste of spring.
If we can get to the beds in april we'll feel fortunate.
It does look as if you, J. and the pooches had a grand time. I'm envious of your good fortune of course.
rel

peppylady (Dora) said...

There no sign of spring here. Just pop on over and you'll see snow, snow and more snow.

kerrdelune said...

Oh my your crocus and iris bulbs are up and blooming - it will be a very long time before I see mine in bloom.I so enjoyed seeing the moors, and Bilbo Baggins is a gorgeous lad. Happy Imbolc to you, my friend!

Endment said...

Guess the ozone is eating up my comments again

Snow covers my world -- thanks for the breath of spring in your post!

Lynda (Granny K) said...

Glad you were able to get into the garden for a while and enjoy some early sunshine. Enjoy!

Tea said...

It does look so beautiful there Rowan! Is this an early spring for you? Seems like it might be, but I`m not sure. So lucky to have either way. Snow here.....go go away LOL

tea
xo

Naturegirl said...

What lovely images to wake up to on this frosty cold winter morning..LoVe the photos of Bilbo and Jojo..hopeI have the names right..thanks for the warm stroll! hugs NG

Rosa said...

Everything looks lovely. Think I'm about ready for spring too. Ok, let's get on with it. grin.

Peaceful/Paisible said...

le-gacwe really have beautiful mornings in France too...no I mean in Plumpiemousie...but I don't have as many flowers!!!we had lunch inthe yard on Sunday and I was wearing a tee-shirt as well...and my dog was so happy too...thank you so much for visiting my blogs and for your kind words...i'll come back...put the kettle on...i'll bring tea and biscuits!!!
I loved wandering through your blog...reminded me of England...
see you dear
Mousie

Patty said...

How pretty, spring is right around the corner here in Texas